GRANGER, Iowa — Some campers at Jester Park are packing up shop Thursday after officials recommended they move to higher ground.
Brett McMinn and his family were visiting Jester Park for the first time when a ranger told them they may have to leave early due to rising water levels.
"Looking at the water, I was like, 'There's no way. There is no way we would have to move,'" McMinn said. "And then yesterday, we got the call, and they said [we] gotta move out sometime Friday. so we were a little shocked."
Water levels aren't too high as of Thursday evening, but that could change overnight. That's why Polk County Conservation is asking campers to pick up and move.
"Mostly, we're trying to evacuate folks from Campsite Two and Campsite Three," said Jessica Lown with Polk County Conservation. "Those are a couple camp campgrounds that are low-lying."
Park staff are closing portions of the east and north side of the park, including:
- Southside picnic area
- Campgrounds Two and Three
- Lakeshore Trail
- Hickory Ridge Trail near the Nature Playscape
Campers are asked to leave their sites by no later than Friday to avoid the need for an emergency evacuation.
Michael Burch is a longtime Jester Park camper. He returns to his favorite site year after year, despite knowing the flooding risks.
"[It's] like a second home to me," Burch said. "[I've been] coming here ever since I was a little kid, so it's just our little getaway."
Campers who prepaid to stay at Jester Park will be reimbursed for the nights they aren't able to stay. For the most part, campers have no problems making the move.
"We just want everybody to be safe, and, you know, obey the local rangers and things, because flooding and storms are nothing to mess around with," McMinn said.
The Polk County Conservation Center is following procedures in order to ensure the safety of each camper.
"It's an unfortunate situation, and we know a lot of people really look forward to their camping trips every year and they don't want to lose out on those moments and those memories," Lown said. "So we want them to be able to come back and join us again in the future whenever possible."